One powerful way your support helps reach young people for Christ is by equipping faithful Christian leaders through Youthworks College

One powerful way your support helps reach young people for Christ is by equipping faithful Christian leaders like James.

James is a first-year Youthworks College student and the youth worker at St Mark’s West Wollongong Anglican Church. This year, he befriended Will*, a student who’d started coming to youth group. At a recent combined youth event Will made the decision to give his life to Christ!

This is their story of how God used your support to change both their lives!

James shares how your support of Youthworks College helped put him on a path to fulfilling his passion

“After teaching for two years, I was enjoying working with the high school kids, but there was always a barrier at school. I loved getting to know the youth and trying to have a positive influence over their lives, but I really wanted to walk side by side with them. I didn’t want to teach them history or geography, but the gospel! So I thought, why not marry my two interests: the relational side of teaching, and God’s word.

“One of the chaplains who worked with me knew I wanted to go into youth ministry, so he pulled me aside and asked if I had considered going to Youthworks College. He pointed out that Youthworks College is the only college that specifically trains people for youth and children’s ministry. It has a great balance between study and putting everything into practice in a ministry context. I’ve certainly benefited from that over the course of this year.

“I’ve met a lot of graduates from Youthworks College who are well equipped for youth and children’s ministry. Their example demonstrated that going to Youthworks College was the right move, and it has certainly proven to be.

“It’s just incredible to have the time to be able to do this. Who gets the opportunity every day to sit down with quality lecturers, and with other people who are striving to advance the Gospel?

“The learning experience at Youthworks College is awesome because you’re in a community, and you’ve got lecturers who actually care about you and your wellbeing. You’re not just a number. You’re known, valued and invested in as an individual.”

And your support helped equip James to make a life-changing difference in the lives of young people like Will

“I first met Will on ‘Beach Mission’, and I had the opportunity to build a friendship with him and his friends. I was starting out at a new church in Wollongong, close to where they live. They started coming to youth group, and Will quickly got invested into the community.

“Although Will’s had a hard year personally, he’s made a great connection with many of the other youth group guys, and he’s been super committed to coming every week. A few weeks ago, we had a combined youth night with an evangelistic talk.

Will filled out a feedback form to let us know he made a commitment to Christ for the first time.

“When I found out, I rejoiced with Will! I let him know that’s the best decision he could ever make. He told me that’s why he loves being at youth group, to find out more about Jesus, and be with the people who love Jesus and genuinely care for one another. He’s just so excited to come each week. It’s been such an encouragement to see Will’s relationship with Christ grow.”

So, thank you for your partnership in training and equipping leaders like James at Youthworks College. Your support is having a profound impact on young lives like Will’s.